Socorro Ramos,
President Duterte has honored 26 women entrepreneurs for their “capacity to be catalysts for change and progress.”
He led the giving of Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs Awards, organized by Go Negosyo, in Malacañang, describing the awardees as trailblazers in the field of micro, small and medium enterprises.
Presidential adviser for entrepreneurship and Go Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion hopes the awardees would inspire the youth to become entrepreneurs too.
“Filipinos are not destined for poverty. We really have to put our work, heart and passion to become successful. The awards you will be receiving will inspire youth entrepreneurs. We need more entrepreneurs coming from the youth and drawing inspiration from all of you,” Concepcion said.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez noted that 80 percent of enterprises in the country were started by women, as he praised them for their resourcefulness, attention to detail and creativity.
Given the Legacy Awards were Socorro Ramos (National Bookstore), Mercedes Gotianun (Filinvest Development Corp.), Corazon Ong (CDO Foodsphere Inc.), and Rosalind Wee (W Group of Companies) – who were recognized as “pillars in the community” and “inspirations to women entrepreneurs across generations.”
Felicitas Pontoja (Coffee for Peace) and Rachel de Villa (Cropital) were lauded for their inclusive businesses.
Awarded in the micro and small enterprises category were Honie Krizia Navor (HK Stone Craft Trading), Evellin Daytao (Daytao’s Native Cakes), Pamela Henares (BuroBuro Springs Vermi Farm), Imelda Dagus (Dennis Coffee Garden), Cherrie Atilano (AGREAAgricultural Systems International), Ester Shiela Vitto (Bahag Footwear & Repair Shop), Maria Lydia Lomibao (J. Emmanuel Pastries) and Arlene Mabute (Mabute Lumpia Wrapper & Cheese Stick Maker).
The awardees for the medium and large enterprises category were Ana de Ocampo (Wildflour Café & Bakery), Mary Ann Montemayor (Villa Margarita Hotel & Catering), Sheree Gotuaco (Omnimoda International), Anne Gonzalez (Terry S.A. Inc.), Gina Lorenzana (Unilever Philippines), Evelyn Palomo (Great Image), Felicia Atienza (Chinese International School Manila) and Rebecca Mills (Asia CEO Forum).
Also feted were Arizza Nocum (Kris Library and Good Karma Shirts) for the youth category; Pacita Juan (ECHOstore), Doris Magsaysay-Ho (Magsaysay Maritime Corp.) and Sen. Cynthia Villar (Villar SIPAG Foundation).